Ross County were unable to prevent Celtic running out 3-0 winners despite an encouraging display from the Staggies at Parkhead.
County created several chances during an entertaining first half, however they trailed at the break through Callum McGregor’s penalty for the Hoops.
Substitute Odsonne Edouard netted a double midway through the second half to ensure Neil Lennon’s men ran out comfortable winners however, with the Dingwall side dropping below St Johnstone into ninth place.
County made one change from the side which drew 0-0 with Hearts in midweek, with veteran midfielder Don Cowie making his first start since April following a knee injury, replacing forward Billy Mckay.
The Hoops were first to threaten on 10 minutes when a Leigh Griffiths free-kick picked out the unmarked head of Christopher Julien, however his effort was beaten away by Nathan Baxter.
County’s first chance arrived shortly after, with Blair Spittal releasing Josh Mullin but the winger seeing his low drive clutched by Fraser Forster.
Leigh Griffiths had his first glimpse when he struck wide from just inside the box on 18 minutes, however Mullin had another opportunity from another Spittal through ball on 21 minutes, but he could not keep his first-time lob from 20 yards down.
An even better chance fell the way of Spittal five minutes later however, with Mullin doing well to cut the ball back to him after dispossessing Jozo Simunovic, but Spittal was unable to keep his angled drive on target from 14 yards.
Baxter came to County’s rescue at the other end less than 60 seconds later, with the goalkeeper doing brilliantly to keep out James Forrest’s header from a Mikey Johnston delivery.
Cowie was next to threaten for the visitors, with a low effort from the edge of the box which trundled wide.
Celtic were handed the perfect chance to take the lead on 37 minutes, with Johnston went down under the challenge of Keith Watson, prompting Kevin Clancy to point to the spot. McGregor stepped up to rifle a powerful effort past the reach of Baxter, who went the right way.
The Hoops could have doubled their advantage moments later when Forrest saw his ball across goal flash inches past the far post, with Griffiths unable to reach it.
It was substitute Edouard who made the telling second half impact, netting twice within five minutes of replacing Griffiths. His first goal was sloppy from County’s point of view, with the Frenchman able to meet McGregor’s corner to guide a header home from close range.
Edouard doubled his tally only three minutes later, with Forrest setting up the attacker to coolly sidefoot past Baxter.
Spittal had another opportunity to reduce the deficit moments later, however Forster made a fine block with his legs to prevent County getting on the scoresheet.
